The government plans to impose a so-called “latte tax” of at least 20c on disposable paper coffee cups before a complete ban is suspected.
I have Irish Independent It can be revealed that the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Communications is considering a bill that was due to come into effect in December.
This move comes after lobbying groups argue that if the circular economy bill is enacted, it could further harm the environment by directing consumers to cheaper plastic alternatives.
Recently, the ministry secretly explained to representatives of several retailers that it “underestimates the technical challenges” of enforcing the proposed law.
The bill proposes measures to eliminate incentives for disposable packages, including a 20c levy on disposable coffee and teacups, but could rise to € 1 per cup under the law. I have.
The bill prohibits disposable paper coffee cups, which usually contain a small amount of plastic, for sitting cafe customers.
Approximately 200 million disposable cups are used each year in Ireland, creating costly waste management, waste and marine pollution problems.
The world’s first levy is designed to get customers into the habit of bringing their own long-lived “KeepCup” instead.
According to one source, lobbyists who have campaigned against the bill feel that the government is “laying the groundwork” to announce the retreat.
According to another source, the government is lobbying extensively to investigate the inadvertent impact of the bill.
“Concerns that appear to be home are the unintended consequences of banning paper cups, which will direct consumers to cheaper plastic alternatives,” sources said.
“The concern is that while these cheap plastic cups will eventually be landfilled, most paper cups are compostable and recyclable.
“Look at the straws. I moved away from plastic and replaced it with paper. When it comes to coffee shops, it seems to be doing the exact opposite.”
Duncan Graham, Managing Director of Retail Excellence Ireland, a leading Irish retailer, said: Irish Independent The government was considering aspects of the bill.
“We believe the government is considering alternative options,” Graham said.
“As retailers and coffee operators, we believe it is right to consider the implications and alternatives here.”
According to a survey by Ireland Thinks, only 26% of the more than 1,000 people surveyed supported the introduction of a paper cup ban.
According to the findings, 63pc rather wants the government to prioritize increasing capacity for paper cup recycling and composting.
Approximately 63% of those surveyed say they want to exclude paper cup bans that are certified as recyclable or compostable.
John Bradbury, owner of Bradbury, who runs a bakery and deli in Kildea, said most of the industry has already turned into compostable cups.
“The industry has experienced numerous setbacks during the pandemic, Brexit and Ukrainian conflicts, and now the government has worked hard to procure products in a sustainable way. I want to tax. I’m depressed, “Bradbury said.
“Why am I spending an additional € 40,000-50,000 a year to procure a compostable package that is currently taxable?
“I was able to order a very cheap Styrofoam cup from China for about 3c. Believe me. Business owners will do this because they can’t afford to hit more.”